Disruptive taxi/chauffeuring service is facing up to a price hike in Vancouver where, having exited its testing phase, local laws will force it to charge users a minimum total of $75 per ride, and enforce a $75 per hour rate for longer journeys.

The service has been present in the Canadian city since May — when it rolled out a very publicly communicated ‘secret testing phase’ — during which it was using its regular pricing model. However, as it moves out of testing, it must fully comply with local regulations which specify the fixed prices.

The increased rates are a real blow to the company, which prides itself on its flexible pricing and even used a ‘happy hour’ offer to help promote its Vancouver launch.

Uber explains the rules, which are the latest in a series of regulatory hurdles affecting its business:

The Vancouver Limousine industry is governed by the Passenger Transportation Board of British Columbia. The PTB sets rules for Limousine services, and in Vancouver they have set a minimum rate for any trip of $75 (regardless of distance or time travelled). They’ve asked Uber to raise our rates to $75 per trip, and while we have expressed our view that minimum rates DO NOT benefit consumers, we’ll comply while we work with them to figure out a solution that works for our users.

As ever, the company has the appetite for a fight and it is encouraging those who believe that the tariff is wrong, to help it lobby the PTB through the following digital means:

1. Email the PTB! Tell them you want to “ABOLISH TAXI-PROTECTIONISM – LET UBER CHARGE LESS THAN $75 FOR A RIDE!”